Forvia and Anand Group form India seating joint venture

Forvia and Anand Group have agreed to create an automotive seating joint venture in India named Faurecia Anand Seating India Private Limited. The French supplier will hold a 50 percent plus one share stake, granting it joint control, while Anand Group's flagship listed firm, Gabriel India Limited, will hold a 50 percent less one share stake.

This move strengthens Forvia’s presence in India as a key growth market under its IGNITE strategy. It leverages Anand Group’s local manufacturing and OEM relationships. The joint venture will produce seat frames and fully assembled seats.

Strategic goals and market ambitions

The joint venture targets approximately 10% market share in India’s automotive seating market within five years. It will draw upon Forvia Seating’s complete technology portfolio and engineering capabilities. Anand Group will provide domestic manufacturing infrastructure, local supply chain networks, workforce development, and commercial access to Indian OEMs.

The collaboration will provide Forvia with enhanced access to Indian automotive manufacturers, including major local OEMs. The initiative fits with Forvia’s local-for-local manufacturing approach.

History and complementary strengths

The partnership builds on a collaboration that began in 1991 in clean mobility. It combines Forvia’s technology with Anand Group’s local infrastructure and customer access. Anand Group is a $2.6bn automotive group with 25 operating companies across 92 sites in India, Europe, and South America.

The joint venture will utilise localised manufacturing footprints to support supply chain, industrial and talent capabilities. Anand Group brings established partnerships and knowledge of the Indian automotive ecosystem.

Leadership comments and broader context

Forvia CEO Martin Fischer highlighted the venture as a step in their longstanding relationship and India-focused growth strategy. "When we unveiled our IGNITE strategy earlier this year, we highlighted India as a key growth driver for Forvia," Fischer said. He noted the award of Forvia’s first complete-seat programme in India a few months prior.

Anjali Singh, the executive chairperson of Anand Group and Gabriel India, also commented. "This venture strengthens our longstanding partnership with Forvia, building on complementary strengths and a shared commitment to innovation," Singh stated.

In a separate strategic move, Forvia agreed in April to offload its Interiors Business Group to Apollo Global Management via a carve-out transaction with an enterprise value of €1.82bn ($2.13bn). Forvia shares rose over 6% on Wednesday. Gabriel India is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange.

Transaction details and timeline

The transaction value has not been revealed. The deal is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing requirements and regulatory approvals.